Hiking and Cycling from Okehampton Train Station
There are so many hiking trails and cycling routes passing through Okehampton that you'd think it would be a marvellous place to base yourself for an adventure. And it is, sort of.
The town sits on the very edge of Dartmoor, away from both of Devon's modest cities and has more than enough amenities to keep your backpack and stomach full. For linear routes though, it's just plain awkward to reach.
Until now.
The Reopening of Okehampton Train Station
Okehampton train station is at the beginning of the Devonshire Heartland Way long-distance hike. And the Granite Way walking and cycling trail. The Tarka Trail passes close by, as does the Two Castles Trail and the West Devon Way. Did I mention the Dartmoor Way chortles past too? Oh, and the Devon Coast 2 Coast cycle route.
That's seven named routes and I haven't even got started on the numerous footpaths and bridleways within a stone's throw. From here, you can walk to High Willhays and Yes Tor, Dartmoor's highest points and ramble out onto the moor in general with nothing but munching ponies in your way.
However, the station hasn't been in regular operation for almost fifty years, only seeing the occasional Sunday heritage train from Exeter in the summer season. Not much use to adventurers.
In mid-March 2021 however, the government announced its plan to rejuvenate the line and restart daily services. I can't even imagine how excited the teenage population of the town is about this fairly short and direct route to Exeter but, as a hiker and cyclist living in Devon, I'm pretty excited too. And I'm excited for you. Because wherever you live, Okehampton having a train station opens up the entire of northern Dartmoor to you and your adventurous disposition.
'But yo Kit, I have a car so, like, why do I care?'
Sure, so do I, but hear me out.
A new age for North Dartmoor and Mid Devon adventures
Okehampton train station sits amongst an array of interesting paths but the best ones are linear and even multi-day. That means driving to and parking in Okehampton isn't ideal, particularly as the bus system in these parts has a lot to be desired.
The Devonshire Heartland Way is a good example. This 3-4 day hike begins at Okehampton station and winds its way east across the countryside to finish just north of Exeter. Parking in Okehampton would mean catching a bus from Exeter to pick up your car and then most likely driving back to Exeter to be on your way home.
The Dartmoor Way is a perimeter loop of the national park so, sure, if you're gonna be pedantic about it then yes, you could start and end in Okehampton with a car, but catching the train there allows you to take a very flexible view on the route. It also opens up a new half in addition to the south and north loops; when Okehampton's station reopens, you'll be able to walk half, from Ivybridge to Okehampton or vice versa, as both have stations on the route.
The Okehampton trains will have space for bikes too (apparently), which opens up North and Mid Devon to cycle tourers and bikepackers. In short, it's solidly good news. Devon County Council have also submitted proposals to re-link the line from Okehampton to Plymouth, effectively creating a railway loop around Dartmoor. But that's the talk of dreamers, surely.
Getting planning adventures folks! For 2022...
Okay, so the line is estimated to open in December 2021, which makes 'opening in 2021' a little off-colour. Still, if you're keen for more Devon-based hikes and bike rides, keeping an eye on the re-opening of Okehampton train station is well worth it. There's a YHA hostel on site, just to put the icing on the cake.
Yum. Cake.